Intro to Mythology

FYI: You will need to read EACH slide carefully, so you do not miss anything.

What is a myth? A story created by a whole group of people or a society to explain their beliefs Deals with super natural beings, ancestors, and heroes Usually spread by word of mouth (orally)

Purposes of Mythology Scientific: explain things in nature; explain the unexplainable (i.e. seasons) Literary- good storytelling; entertainment Religious- explain the role of gods in everyday life; give meaning to life; give guidelines for how people should live their lives

Types of Myths Cosmic myths: About creation and the end of the world Theistic myths: About gods such as Zeus or Athena Hero myths: About individuals such as Heracles, Perseus, and Achilles Place/Object myths: - About items or places such as the golden fleece; the Trojan war

Eight Elements found in Mythology Sometimes written to explain natural phenomena, such as why the sun rises, why it rains, how the earth began. Contain good and evil royalty, like kings and princesses, etc. Sons are often raised by someone besides their birth parents. Contain imaginary creatures, people, or animals that have unusual qualities. The hero uses magic to move the plot along. The gods play a significant role in helping or getting in the way of the main character(s). The “good” characters of the story show similar characteristics (young, handsome, clever, thoughtful), etc. Rely on the belief of fate, that you have a destiny that cannot be changed unless the Oracle chooses to change it.

Why do we study mythology? To learn about ancient cultures As inspiration for our own art and writing To teach values and morals For entertainment

Which cultures have myths? Every culture has its own mythology, but there are universal symbols and themes that connect them all

Ancient Greek and Roman Mythology is often called “Classical Mythology”

Ancient Greek Culture Pantheistic- they believed in many gods, who often acted humanly, showing emotions like rage, jealousy, and depression The biggest “sin” an ancient Greek could commit was HUBRIS, the belief that one is better than or doesn’t need the gods). People were driven by honor; reputation and legacy were very important; revenge was admirable and respectable. Hospitality was also important. Greek society flourished between 800 and 30 BCE. Some of the legends in mythology (The Trojan War, Oedipus, Odysseus, etc.) refer back to “specific” history dating back even further. For example, the Trojan War stories are set around 1300 BCE.

Legacy of the ancient Greeks Science and mathematics System of medicine Philosophy shaped western civilization and thought Arts, drama, poetry, sculpture, literature, architecture Law, government, democracy developed in Athens Military tactics

Influence of the Romans In the last century, before the birth of “Christ,” the Roman empire expanded and became more powerful than Greece. In 146 BC, Romans took over much of Greece. The Romans were influenced by the Greeks and adopted Greek myths, but with their own gods as charcters. Eventually, they became almost exactly alike. Therefore, there are both Greek and Latin names for the gods.

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